By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, March 20, 2019: Former Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court, Ajit Singh on Wednesday assumed office of the first Lokayukta of Odisha.

The office of the anti-corruption watchdog will start functioning from April 8.

Singh assumed charge of his duty after meeting Governor Ganeshi Lal in the latter’s office this afternoon, officials said.

He will head the panel that comprises total five members, including some judicial and non-judicial members.

On March 3 last, the former Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court was appointed as the first Lokayukta of the State following the Governor’s approval.

Odisha was the first state to pass the Lokayukta Bill on February 14, 2014, after the Lokpal Bill was cleared by Parliament in December, 2013.

The Lokayukta search committee had recommended two names as the members of the Lokayukta on Tuesday, sources added.